CinéEqual

CinéEqual represents filmmakers, institutions, and community members with a focus on social justice cinema. As an integrated unit of Cinema Without Borders, it promotes a diverse, inclusive, and equitable democratic society that values the worth of all humans. The purpose is to educate our audience about concepts, theories, and methods related to social justice and to integrate ethical practices for solving social inequities through our online networks and resources. From studio productions like To Kill a Mockingbird to low budget films like Hotel Rwanda, I am not Your Negro, cinema has a venerable record of putting the spotlight on social injustice. But there are no online film forums dedicated to the cause. And that is where CineEqual comes in, as a pioneer in this market place of ideas, information sharing, networking, fundraising, and constructive action.

CinéEqual will introduce films relating to social justice, completed or in-production, from around the globe. It will help filmmakers bring about change by reviewing and promoting their work through interviews and by connecting them to organizations and data that will help them complete their films. CinéEqual will reflect the opinions of experts in social justice issues from around the world to guide filmmakers in finding subjects deserving their attention.

This dynamic unit on CWB’s page will include articles and media designed to aid and arm filmmakers with everything from subject matter to financial support to distribution. Initial plans are to launch four podcasts and one overview introduction video per year. A Social Justice Mobile Film Festival will be added to CinéEqual in its second year, with the theme of “I Have a Dream, I Have a Nightmare”

WhyCinéEqual? – In the last two years, we have witnessed the comeback of bigotry, racism, and intolerance around the globe and in United States. Minorities are again the target of far-right nationalist groups and immigrants face daily threats; families are separated and deported, and toddlers are taken to immigration court where in most cases, they represent themselves without the support of a lawyer. Decades of advancements in human rights, equality, and freedom of speech are at risk. In California, home to the largest percentage of immigrants and ethnic minorities in the U.S., the threat is prevalent. Internationally, the picture isn’t any better. Nationalist and xenophobic states are on the rise, especially in Europe, which has seen immigrants being targeted and their freedom of expression and rights as citizens curtailed.

CinéEqual will bring awareness to these dire circumstances. Importantly, it will shine a light on positive actions being taken around the world by highlighting social justice issues through the medium of film and journalism.

About

Cinema Without Borders is dedicated to the international and independent cinema and it helps to introduce new faces and talents outside any borders and its goal is to create international communities of filmmakers and film students.